Chapter IV #3
“Longbourn?” echoed Darcy. “That is a surprise. Other than Miss Elizabeth, I do not think Hurst spoke two words together to anyone else in the family.”
Bingley shrugged. “I do not know the whole of it. Hurst mentioned something in his letter about becoming friendly with Mr. Bennet, who invited him to spend Christmas with them. As both are observers of life rather than participants, I expect they kept each other company.”
It was plausible, so Darcy did nothing more than nod. “Then he had the opportunity to observe Miss Bennet. What I cannot understand is why he would take an interest.”
“Hurst was not explicit. But he informed me that Miss Bennet was not herself and that Mr. Bennet confirmed that Jane Bennet fancied herself in love with me.”
“And do you consider that information valid?” asked Darcy. “Hurst is not the most observant, and Mr. Bennet would have every reason to push his daughter’s interests.”
The way Bingley eyed him was most uncomfortable. Bingley was an easy sort, quick with a jest and possessing irrepressible spirits, but at that moment, he regarded Darcy with an eye that was entirely too knowing.
“I am curious, Darcy,” said Bingley at length, “why you are so opposed to my interest in Miss Bennet.”
Surprised though he was, Darcy did not hesitate. “I am not opposed, Bingley. I simply see the drawbacks to her situation.”
A snort was Bingley’s response. “I assume you refer to Caroline’s oft-stated refrain about connections and fortune. What neither of you seems to consider is whether I care about such things.”
Darcy paused, pondering his words, not wishing to anger his friend.
“The simple fact, Bingley, is that Miss Bennet does not have those virtues that many in society deem necessary. While I do not know the extent of her fortune, given Longbourn’s size and the five daughters Mr. Bennet must provide for, I cannot imagine she has much.
The Bennets have no useful connections for a man in your position, beginning to establish yourself in society.
“Having said that, if you decide to ignore such deficiencies in favor of her person, neither I nor anyone else can gainsay your choice. The question you must ask yourself is twofold: are her feelings for you of such strength as to render those other considerations moot, and are yours the equal of hers?”
“My feelings are clear,” said Bingley. “Given what Hurst has told me, I suspect hers are too. The only way I will discover the truth is to go to Hertfordshire and judge for myself.”
“Then your path is clear,” said Darcy. “For what it is worth, my friend, I have nothing against Miss Bennet; she is a lovely woman. I have given you my opinion—it is your right and privilege to form your own.”
“Thank you, Darcy. Then I shall depart on the morrow.” Bingley eyed him. “I own that I am curious about your letter from Hurst.”
“No more curious than I was. It appears George Wickham is making a nuisance of himself—Hurst wrote to me to ask about him. When you came in, I was about to compose my response.”
“Wickham? Is he not the man you have informed me of before?”
“He is,” agreed Darcy.
“Then why will you not come to Hertfordshire with me?” asked Bingley. “I should not oppose your company, and you may deal with Wickham while you are there.”
Darcy frowned. His previous decision had been to avoid Hertfordshire because of the temptation Miss Elizabeth presented.
Darcy did not think it was his place to “deal with” Wickham anymore—he did not wish to become involved with irate fathers, defrauded merchants, or angry gentlemen, all of whom were possible when it pertained to George Wickham.
If the gentlemen of the neighborhood and the colonel had the necessary information about Wickham, that should suffice to rein in his habits.
Then again, it would do no harm to go for a few days to relate the information in person.
Darcy knew that an investigation into Wickham’s doings would reveal much, for he had been in Meryton long enough to have accumulated debts.
Then Darcy could observe Miss Bennet for himself, offer Bingley a few final pieces of advice, and depart from Netherfield forever.
He might need to be in Miss Elizabeth’s company, but not for long.
Surely he possessed self-command enough to remain unmoved for a few days.
“Very well, Bingley. I shall come with you to Hertfordshire, but I shall not stay long.”
“Excellent, Darcy!” said Bingley. “I shall stay at a hotel tonight, for I have already said my farewells to my sisters.”
Darcy regarded him. “Are you leaving your carriage here for Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst?”
“Hurst has his carriage, so I shall leave mine in London.” Bingley grinned. “Do not suppose I invited you to take advantage of your transportation, my friend. If you had declined, I should have hired a coach to take me.”
“Not at all, Bingley. You must stay here tonight—there is no need to go to a hotel.”
“Thank you, Darcy. I appreciate it.”
In later years, when Darcy looked back on all that followed, he would point to his decision to go to Hertfordshire as the one that rendered everything after inevitable. Though he could not know it at that moment, he was already lost.